ABSTRACT
Chronic exposure to Hepatitis B and C viral infections are strongly suspected of causing hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. Moreover, in considerable numbers of HCC cases, the patients found positive for Hepatitis infections. The development HCC is related to the integration of viral DNA into the genome of host hepatocytes. It is noted that African and Far East counties, where HCC is common, have high rates of hepatitis carriers, probably with vertical transmission, of viruses from generation to generations. The scope of present study is to evaluate the incidence of HBV or HCV infections in patients with HCC. A brief clinical history of 98 patients [Males; n = 59, Females n = 39] with confirmation of HCC along with base-line value of alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], is taken and cumulated. In all patients, AFP values were found to be elevated ranging from 15 to 1329 ng/ml in males [mean 184.82 +/- 39.26 ng/ml] and 17.00 to 1218 ng/ml in females [mean 179.26 +/- 41.11 ng/ml] with relevant clinical data. It was noted that in most of the confirmed cases of HCC, hepatitis infections of HBV and HCV origin is prevalent. In male HCC patients, 19 were diagnosed with HBV whereas 21 with HCV infection. In females 12 HCC patients were HBV positive and 14 with HCV. Remaining patients were investigated thoroughly for any infection, but found devoid of any. However, cirrhosis of biliary origin, haemochromatosis cystic fibrosis and drug-induced cirrhosis are persistent infections. The results are presented in relation to various risk factors, and clinical and diagnostic characteristic